Stanford University describes the HUMANITIES as:
“the study of the myriad ways in which people, from every period of history and from every corner of the globe, process and document the human experience. Since humans have been able, we have used philosophy, literature, religion, art, music, history and language to understand and record our world. These modes of expression have become some of the subjects that traditionally fall under the humanities umbrella. Knowledge of these records of human experience gives us the opportunity to feel a sense of connection to those who have come before us, as well as to our contemporaries.”
The Muskegon Area Arts and Humanities Festival (ahfest) began in 2001 under the leadership of Richard Charles Ford and Muskegon Community College to celebrate, acknowledge, and examine into the world of ideas as they are expressed in the arts and humanities. Each year ideas tied to a certain theme are explored through literature, theater, music, discussion panels, art exhibits, films and many other events throughout the month of October.
Festival Themes:
2001 Friendship & Community
2002 Good & Evil
2003 Work & Play
2004 Freedom & Privacy
2005 Technology & Humanity
2006 Art & Entertainment
2007 Need & Want
2008 Tradition & Change
2009 You & Me
2010 Self
2011 Home
2012 The Future
2013 Faith and Reason
2014 About Time
2015 Myth and Reality
2016 Us and Them
2017 Water
2018 Truth
What do these themes mean to you in terms of how Stanford University describes the humanities? In terms of philosophy? Language? Literature? Religion? Visual art? Theater, music, dance? History?
What does the current theme of “Faith and Reason” mean for our community? How do we as neighbors and residents of Muskegon County live with faith and reason in our every day lives? How does faith affect reason and vice versa?
We challenge you to take time to think about the implications “Faith and Reason” has and discuss with friends and family…who knows what you might discover?